Reform Jewish Voice of New York State

February 09, 2012 · 16 Sh'vat


subscribe

Advocacy
Issues

RJV works in many issue areas in order to promote state legislation and governmental actions that address the root causes of social and economic injustice and advance religious tolerance and human dignity throughout New York State.

To learn more about organizing an Advocacy Workshop in your community or synagogue, click here.

Use this section to find descriptions of RJV's positions.
Our positions are consistent with those of the Reform Jewish Movement.

Advocacy Day 2012 Save the Date
Choice: Reproductive Health Act
The Reform Jewish Movement's tradition has always upheld the sacredness of life. Similarly, it has upheld the sacredness of the body. Mishnah Ohaloth 7:6, for example, forbids a woman from sacrificing her own life for that of the fetus, and if her life is threatened, the text permits her no other option but abortion. It is due to the fundamental Jewish belief in the sanctity of life that abortion is viewed as both a moral and correct decision under some circumstances.
Marriage Equality for Same-Sex Couples
The Reform Movement has consistently affirmed its commitment to welcoming same-sex couples into congregations and, in 1997 the Union for Reform Judaism expanded that support with a resolution supporting full equality under the law, including legal recognition of same gender relationships.
Religious Leaders Ask Gov To Raise Welfare Grants
Religious leaders, including Reform Jewish Voice, and the Hunger Action Network sent a letter on September 15, 2008 to Governor David A. Paterson asking him to raise the basic welfare grant and provide universal health care in New York. Faith leaders appeal to the governor on moral grounds to raise the basic welfare grant, from $291 to $475 for a family of three.
RJV Meets with NYS Agency Comm on Issues of Economic Justice
On August 5, 2008, RJV Steering Committee members, Barbara Zaron and Arleen Urell joined other members of the Faith and Hunger Network in a meeting in Albany with David Hansell, Commissioner, NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA is NYS’s welfare agency) and members of his executive team* to discuss issues related to providing assistance to New Yorkers who are poor and working poor.
Union for Reform Judaism Fights Poverty with Faith
A new initiative to fight poverty, called Fighting Poverty with Faith: A Week of Action was launched on September 9, 2008 with a national conference call. The week’s activities ended with a Prayer Vigil on Capitol Hill. Representatives of various faith groups participated in these activities. Fighting Poverty with Faith is a coalition of over 20 national faith-based groups working together to raise attention about poverty and economic insecurity in the country.
Reform Movement Welcomes New York’s Steps Toward Marriage Equality
Gov. Paterson’s announcement is a significant and welcome recognition of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals’ right to share in the personal and legal privileges of civil marriage afforded heterosexual Americans.
The Executive Budget FY2008-2009
Governor Eliot Spitzer presented his second executive budget to the New York State Legislature on January 22. The budget focused on several issues that Reform Jewish Voice supports including: providing health care, funding for education, and protecting the environment.
The Executive Budget FY2007-2008
Governor Eliot Spitzer presented his first executive budget to the New York State Legislature on January 31. The budget focused on several issues that Reform Jewish Voice supports including: funding for stem cell research, provision of healthcare, funding for education, and protecting the environment.
Review of the 2007 Legislative Session
The Review is a wrap-up and update on all of the issues we have worked on.
Assistance with Lobbying

Don't forget to let us know when you are scheduling a meeting with your legislator, and the outcomes of that meeting. Also, we are available to assist you in setting up this meeting! Please contact Legislative Assistant Molly Benoit at info@rjvnys.org or at 202-387-2800 for assistance.